First steps with WisBlock: Update the Bootloader (via BLE)

Do you know what is a bootloader in your WisBlock Core?

When you upload code to a microcontroller, it can be either a library sample or a code made by yourself. The bootloader is a small program stored inside the microcontroller and starts to work each time the hardware is powered on or reset, this can be physical or software. The main task of the bootloader is to receive orders to read, write or delete data (the code).

Now that you know what a bootloader is, why do you need to upload it?

Because is a very small, but very important piece of software, that makes your WisBlock Core operate correctly when you experience bugs, abnormal behavior on a microcontroller or just random things. There is a chance it can be resolved just by updating the bootloader, just like the BIOS in your personal PC.

If you want to check the Update the Bootloader (via USB) Click Here

The Product that you will need for this Tutorial are:

• RAK5005-O | WisBlock Base Board x1
• WisBlock Core x1
• OTG adapter for your phone x1 (Optional)

Check the current bootloader version

Did you know that you can check your bootloader version on your phone?

One of the first steps is to check the current version of the bootloader. These are the steps to do that.

First of all, you will need an OTG adapter. It can be any brand (we use the one in the picture), but make sure that your phone supports OTG.

Once you have it connected, press the reset button twice. Right after that, a new device will appear to scan. In this case, there is an old bootloader from June 2020, and the device name is FTHR840BOOT or RAK4631 (depending on how old your bootloader is). Inside this drive is the INFO_UF2.TXT file where you can find the bootloader information.

Hardware and Tools

• WisBlock Base RAK5005-O
• WisBlock Core RAK4631
• The latest bootloader
• nRF Connect for Mobile
• RAK4631 flashed with a firmware that supports OTA DFU, e.g. ble_ota_dfu

Open the example app BLE OTA DFU to the RAK4631

Flash the example to the RAK4631 called “ble_ota_dfu".

Open nRF Connect for Mobile and connect the BLE device named "RAK4631_OTA".

Click DFU button and select the upgrade Zip package downloaded before, with the new bootloader called “WisCore_RAK4631_Board_Bootloader.zip“.

After selecting the upgrade package, the installation will start. Wait until 100% finished and the upgrade is completed. If there is a power or upgrade failure, please repeat the previous steps again.

Now that the upgrade is successful, you can check again the File INFO_UF2.TXT to be sure that is the latest bootloader.

Conclusions

After following all these steps, you will have successfully updated your bootloader to keep it working on your RAK4631Core. If you want to continue this journey you can check the next tutorial: Getting Started with your first and basic RAK Module - Wisblock Starter Kit.

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Additional resources

• nRF Connect for Mobile
• Quick Start Guide